PUBLISHER’ S NOTE
DATA-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT written by Dave Hulcher
The KAIA team will tell you that my favorite four-letter work is …” data”. No matter your business or profession data is essential because it provides direction, enables informed decision-making, drives strategic planning, and helps identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. Data essentially tells a story and the more you dig in the more you learn. After“ peeling back the onion” you may not have all the answers, but you will be closer to asking the right questions.
In supporting KAIA members, it is important for us to keep an eye on what is happening in the marketplace so we can react quickly to meet the changing needs of the industry. While there are many sources of information on the overall marketplace, very few are targeted specifically to Kansas. That is why we provide numerous resources targeting Kansas, including the Kansas Annual P & C marketplace summary, quarterly reports, and lists of all active insurers by line of business. I frequently utilize these to monitor the growth, health, and opportunities for the IA channel.
This edition of KIA & B magazine is focused on professional development. So, why am I talking about data? I want members to have the resources to develop a more global perspective of the insurance industry, and I believe this will help them serve Kansas communities. I hope you will utilize these resources and reach out if you any questions. You know I love a good data discussion!
Stay humble, kind, and thankful,
KIA & B
JULY / AUGUST 2025 • VOLUME 30 No. 4
OFFICERS OF KAIA President: Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins. com President-Elect: David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins. com VP / Treasurer: Brock Elliott | brock @ elliottinsurancegroup. com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer: Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance. com National Director: Jo Erin Stuteville | joerin @ elliottinsurancegroup. com Immediate Past President: Kevin O’ Brien | kevin. obrien @ reillyinsurance. com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director: Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel. net Zone II Director: Chris Bohrer | cbohrer @ wic. insurance Director-at-Large: Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu. com Director-at-Large: Natalie Magill | nmagill @ capfed. com Director-at-Large: Russell Winn | russell @ winninsurance. com Director-at-Large Christine Teagarden | christine @ trulyins. com Young Agents Chair: Haley Marsicek | haley @ cardinalinsuranceservices. com
KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Chief Executive Officer: Dave Hulcher COO / General Counsel: Beth Smoller Vice President of Finance: Shannon Bower E & O Program Administrator: Barb Wise AVP of Prof. Dev. & Marketing: Karlyn Judd Director of Marketing: Valerie Gardner Director of Business Development: Patrick McCoy Membership Engagement Specialist: Ruth Wright Office Coordinator: Barb Cobuluis Acct. Managers: Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse KAIA Lobbyist: Dan Murray
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER